I've been researching routes in that area I believe this is a route over the King/Kern divide That I've only seen labelled as "The Chute". It is between Millys Foot and Lucys Foot right where that ridge makes a 90 degree turn. I guess it's not really in the traditional sense a "pass" since it is near the highpoint of the ridge between Generva and Erickson rather than a low point.

Here's a link to another photo I found on the web of this route. You'll notice how closely it matches Buck Forester's photo. The trip photo sequence includes about 20 shots of the groups descent along this chute.

Anyone have any knowledge about this? I've seen references that it may be the "safest" way to cross the divide.

I went up the north side of Harrison Pass with a fairly heavy pack, and in tennis shoes with superfeet inserts. It took maybe 2 hours to get up. This was at a time that I had some foot problems and the tennis shoes were the only shoes that I could tolerate. Even with poor footgear, I got up. I had an ice axe which I used a lot- I would plant the axe deep and then haul myself up, repeat - until I got to the top! It is a bit miserable but one step at a time you get there. The only concern I would have would be if there still is snow all the way across late season when the snow is hard or ice. In that case it would be dangerous. Early snow probably would be soft and snow that you can kick a good step, particularly if it has suncups, would be quite easy. You would proably want to do it mid-day. But it is steep enough that you I would want an ice axe and be confident in self arrest. When I did it, there were only a few easily avoided patches of snow. I would say that the photos above of the other options look harder to me. The trail from East Lake to the base of Harrison Pass is partially wiped out by rockfall.

obxcola- am very interested in "the chute" you're talking about. Ive heard it called class 2 and the easiest route over the divide. From the shots ive seen it looks long and loose though.Hoping to do a week in Upper Kern and come back over one of the high passes. There's a couple of intermediates in our group and this chute may be more comfortable for them.Anyone out there familiar with this route (Little Joe Pass)?

The following comment does not apply to the pics referred to here. Beware of some of scaruffi's photo labels. I have seen several over at least 2 different trips that incorrectly identify the scene in the photo. None-the-less the guy has been around and his pics do help you get the lay of the land.

Mike

Mike

Who can't do everything he used to and what he can do takes a hell of a lot longer!

Thanks for the link. You're right- it doesnt look too loose or steep. Funny how the perspective changes though in the pics looking back up. It looks almost vertical, but is really a long gradual slope.Am leaning towards trying it. Hope snow/ice wont be an issue by Aug. 13-22.